Sirach – Chapter 35

Old Testament26 Verses

Chapter Summary

"He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings." — so begins Sirach 35. Adam stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 26 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and worship and praise. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings.

2It is a wholesome sacrifice to take heed to the commandments, and to depart from all iniquity.

3And to depart from injustice, is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices, and a begging of pardon for sins.

4He shall return thanks, that offereth fine flour: and he that doth mercy, offereth sacrifice.

5To depart from iniquity is that which pleaseth the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins.

6Thou shalt not appear empty in the sight of the Lord.

7For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God.

8The oblation of the just maketh the altar fat, and is an odour of sweetness in the sight of the most High.

9The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will not forget the memorial thereof.

10Give glory to God with a good heart: and diminish not the firstfruits of thy hands.

11In every gift shew a cheerful countenance, and sanctify thy tithes with joy.

12Give to the most High according to what he hath given to thee, and with a good eye do according to the ability of thy hands:

13For the Lord maketh recompense, and will give thee seven times as much.

14Do not offer wicked gifts, for such he will not receive.

15And look not upon an unjust sacrifice, for the Lord is judge, and there is not with him respect of person.

16The Lord will not accept any person against a poor man, and he will hear the prayer of him that is wronged.

17He will not despise the prayers of the fatherless: nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.

18Do not the widow's tears run down the cheek, and her cry against him that causeth them to fall?

19For from the cheek they go up even to heaven, and the Lord that heareth will not be delighted with them.

20He that adoreth God with joy, shall be accepted, and his prayer shall approach even to the clouds.

21The prayer of him that humbleth himself, shall pierce the clouds: and till it come nigh he will not be comforted: and he will not depart till the most High behold.

22And the Lord will not be slack, but will judge for the just, and will do judgment: and the Almighty will not have patience with them, that he may crush their back:

23And he will repay vengeance to the Gentiles, till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptres of the unjust,

24Till he have rendered to men according to their deeds: and according to the works of Adam, and according to his presumption,

25Till he have judged the cause of his people, and he shall delight the just with his mercy.

26The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of affliction, as a cloud of rain in the time of drought.

Important Verses in Sirach 35

To depart from iniquity is that which pleaseth the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins.

Sirach 35:5

Give glory to God with a good heart: and diminish not the firstfruits of thy hands.

Sirach 35:10

For from the cheek they go up even to heaven, and the Lord that heareth will not be delighted with them.

Sirach 35:19

The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of affliction, as a cloud of rain in the time of drought.

Sirach 35:26

Historical Context

Sirach belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for students of wisdom seeking to live the Law with practical prudence. Chapter 35 of 51 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 26 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Adam, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings." It concludes: "The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of affliction, as a cloud of rain in the time of drought. " Read against its original backdrop, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) is the longest wisdom book of the Bible, written by a Jerusalem sage who ran a school for young men. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC.

Who Wrote It

Jesus ben Sira of Jerusalem; translated into Greek by his grandson

When It Was Written

About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense presents maxims, observations, or arguments meant to form character and discernment. A pivotal line is verse 5: "To depart from iniquity is that which pleaseth the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins." The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1965). Here, this deuterocanonical book provides guidance for daily life (CIC 1806). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize prayer and petition to God as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

People in This Chapter

Adam1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Sirach Chapter 35 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that practical wisdom and fear of the Lord is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing participation in Christ's priestly office through Baptism.

May your reading of Sirach Chapter 35 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how All wisdom comes from the Lord applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sirach Chapter 35 about?

Sirach 35 contains 26 verses. It opens with "He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings." and closes with "The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of affliction, as a cloud of rain in the time of drought. ". The book as a whole is wisdom instruction (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Sirach 35?

One of the most significant verses is verse 5: "To depart from iniquity is that which pleaseth the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Sirach Chapter 35?

This chapter mentions Adam.

Who wrote Sirach and when?

Jesus ben Sira of Jerusalem; translated into Greek by his grandson. About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC.

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